Transformation Strategy
University Area CDC created Harvest Hope Properties, LLC in 2016, as a real estate arm of the organization. It’s purpose is to aggressively acquire properties through our established land banking program. Land is one of the most important factors in local economic development, and by viewing these properties as potential assets, rather than barriers to revitalization, land banking provides a new way to reinvest in our neighborhoods. University Area CDC’s concept aims to convert vacant properties that are contaminated, or have been neglected by the open market, into productive use; thereby transforming neighborhood liabilities into assets. By keeping attainable housing a key priority in the University Area, University Area CDC utilizes Harvest Hope Properties to serve as the catalyst for community development and revitalization. Through this property acquisition, the community decides what type of attainable housing or community benefit is built and where, growing our neighborhood… one block at a time.
About University Area CDC’s Neighborhood Transformation Strategy
University Area CDC’s Neighborhood Transformation Strategy focuses on a community development model that effectively supports University Area residents in a real and meaningful way. Our holistic approach is one that engages and empowers the community by including them in the process of creation, implementation and management. Serving as the “connector”, University Area CDC is working to address and partner on services that are needed in order to stabilize our community and provide opportunities to the residents who call it home.
Our revitalization efforts fuel economic and communal progress by creating mixed use housing, neighborhood development and job opportunities that focus on providing a better quality of life to our residents. Our strategic direction is outlined in the following eight initiatives.
HARVEST HOPE PARK: The 7-acre park opened in 2019 and is now flourishing with resident activity & programming. It serves as a springboard for transformational change in the area. Features include a community garden, teaching kitchen, sports field, playground, fitness stations, walking trail, fishing pond and splash zone.
ATTAINABLE HOUSING: We’re researching and implementing innovative ways to develop, finance and operate attainable, program-enriched housing for University Area residents. Many families, veterans and seniors lack the economic resources to access safe, quality housing opportunities, leaving them vulnerable and often unstable.
SAFETY ACTION PLAN: This plan was designed to help reduce crime and improve perceptions of safety based on sound research, along with community and resident engagement. It will ensure recommendations continue to be implemented for the good of the community.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH: The goal of the Community Outreach department is to build bridges into the community to better communicate current services, support options and activities with residents, while also identifying their needs in order to continue serving residents effectively.
PARTNERS COALITION: Members work with individuals at the “street-level” and strategizing with law enforcement, administrators, residents, funders and business owners to make decisions and guide responses to community needs, programming and distribution of funding.
LAND BANKING: University Area CDC aims to convert vacant properties into productive use, thereby transforming neighborhood liabilities into assets and serving as a catalyst for community development & revitalization. Residents are consulted as to what type of attainable housing is built on the properties.
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE: Adequate infrastructure is critical to support and sustain a community. UACDC is working to create a transportation network in the University Area that focuses on sidewalks and lighting, as well as bike and pedestrian safety, with walkability as a primary focus.
THE CAMPUS AT HARVEST HOPE: The mission of The Campus is to primarily serve as a navigational hub, connecting community residents with trusted partners who are providing direct programing and services. The design focuses on embedding amenities within the community in a walkable environment.
